Revolving door fit notes warning

A report in the latest edition of an MPS journal says this approach can help avoid a ‘revolving door situation’ where patients return to work without adequate support, only to be signed off sick again.

The report also said doctors should explain to patients the health consequences of both returning to work and remaining off sick.

‘Explaining these consequences can help mitigate conflict between doctor and patient,’ it said.

But it added that if an employer asks a doctor to expand on their assessment they should recommend that the employer seeks an occupational health assessment.

'Fit notes: fit for purpose?’ appears in this month’s edition of the MPS journal Casebook.